Irony vs Sarcasm - What's the difference?

*** Slow Easy English ***

What's the difference between irony and sarcasm? The difference between being ironic and being sarcastic is sometimes subtle and even native English speakers mix up the two! Watch this video for a clear explanation of which is which.

[SlowEasyEnglish]

Hey everyone, PLEASE READ THIS COMMENT! I feel that I didn't express myself as clearly as I should have. In my examples, I said "Is it sarcasm? It depends on the context if the person is truly insulting you or just making a lighthearted joke." To be clear, the statement IS sarcasm either way. However, if it's just a lighthearted joke, we would not typically accuse the person of "being sarcastic". Yes, they ARE being sarcastic but normally we wouldn't really call it sarcasm unless it was somewhat insulting. We would just call it a joke. As always, the rules aren't always 100% black and white. :)

[cormyat]

Sarcasm is always irony. But irony isn't always sarcasm.

[chrischurch]

At first click this I thought wow I didn't expect Jeff Bezos to be teaching English

[bronwynbaillie]

Just happened across your video, never seen one before. I’m a native speaker but this was a great explanation of a complex concept. Absolutely loved it, keep it up!

[Mangrove]

No one can never say you lack 😂😂😂🤣😍😍😍😍

Portuguese 🇵🇹🇵🇹native speaker here, congrats for the channel!!!

[BuRn_FrN]

My favourite visual definition of irony is a picture I saw many years ago of a pick up truck with flames paint job.. all over .. Being literally engulfed in flames on the side of the road

[sublimestudy]

I m from India....I appreciate you for your best explanation & examples..
My hearty greetings to you. Sir👍💐

[Peter_]

One example of sarcasm would be if someone does something extremely embarrassing in front of other people, and then someone is like "nice job, do that again since you did so well".

[nadenehall]

Hi i am watching your videos, I am from Jamaica and your explanation was very understandable, thank you

[OilBarren]

To add to this: whether it's intended to be truly insulting or light hearted, the tone of your delivery is a big distinction. Sarcasm is usually delivered in an exaggerated tone to make your point obvious, whereas Irony is saying something that is the opposite of how you feel, but using language that indirectly indicates that you think this is a stupid point of view. A good example of this is a comedy sketch that depicts a racist character. Many would criticise the sketch for being racist, but really the opposite is true - they're depicting the racist character as being foolish, hence undermining that worldview. It's subtle and can be taken at face value.

[harmansaman]

Very useful and clear explanation two different yet similar expression while talking. Thank you!

[cormyat]

If your wife is watching TV and you ask "what are you doing?" if she answers "running a marathon, " that would be sarcasm.

If I then say, "are you winning?" That would be ironic.

[eshannaik]

Thank you sir! This really helped me a lot.

[davidemiable]

wow. Thanks for the excellent!! clear definition / distincition. I find that my Japanese students have a hard time understanding sarcasm even when it is explained. I am not sure if it is because of language (only) or if it is because of culture (they don't use it / or not in the same way).

[EntertainmentOnly]

You explained well man. Appreciated 👍👍

[letsgetiton]

it can also depend on the delivery and tone of speech

[totallyrandomstuff]

So there are no clearly defined rules that separate irony from sarcasm? As you describe it seems based on opinion and peoples relationship with one another?

[georgetbarway]

Thank you very much for this clarity on Sarcasm and Irony. How can I get more teaching from you sir

[Polar-fh]

I'm autistic, and I find two meanings of "Irony" to be super confusing for me.

[dantean]

Irony's when the speaker doesn't know that what they're saying is self-contradictory; while sarcasm is an intentional pointing out of what one considers the foolishness or stupidity of another or of their stated position.
EXAMPLE: Your dad asks why he never sees you with your former best friend Johnny anymore and you inform him you'd lose points with your new friends if they saw you hanging around with HIM.
SARCASM: "I guess you're the expert on how high school works, eh?!" (i.e. YOU'RE an idiot)
IRONY: "I'm gonna be popular if it takes losing every friend I've got!" (i.e., doesn't get that "popular" requires MORE friends, not fewer)

Simple.